Substitutions Rule 3

Question 1

After a successful free throw, A1 enters the playing court before the throw-in. A1’s illegal entry is not detected until after the ball becomes live.

Ruling?

Answer 1

A1 became a legal player when the ball became live. Because discovery of the illegal substitution came after the ball became live, the infraction by A1 shall be ignored.
(Rule 3-6.1.d)

A.R. 70

Question 2

A6 and A7 have reported to the scorers and are waiting to enter the game. Team A commits a violation, and during the dead-ball period, Team B requests a timeout. The coach from Team A changes their mind and wants A8 and A9 to report and enter the game rather than A6 and A7.

Ruling?

Answer 2

A8’s and A9’s substitutions are legal when they have reported to the official scorer before the warning signal.
(Rule 3-6.1.g)

A.R. 71

Question 3

A1 scores a field goal and the clock is stopped with 36.0 seconds remaining in the game.
(1) Before the throw-in ends and the clock is started, the official notices blood on A3.
(2) The throw-in ends and the clock is properly started when the official notices blood on A3.
There are substitutes who have reported to the scorer’s table.

Ruling?

Answer 3

The officials shall stop play and present the head coach with the following three options: (a) Keep the player in the game when the issue can be resolved in 20 seconds; (b) Substitute the player immediately or substitute when the issue cannot be resolved in 20 seconds; (c) Request a timeout immediately or request a timeout when the issue cannot be resolved in 20 seconds so that the bleeding player can remain in the game.

(1) After any of these options, play shall be resumed with a throw- in by Team B anywhere along the end line. No substitutes shall be permitted in (a) and (b) since play was stopped after a successful field goal and before the clock was properly started. However, when the coach chooses not to take a timeout and instead, replaces the bleeding player, the opponent is permitted to counter with a substitution. In this case, the substitute for the bleeding player and the counter substitute are the only substitutes permitted in this situation since play was stopped for blood after a successful field goal in the last 59.9 seconds of the game and before the clock was properly started. In (c), substitutes are permitted since a timeout was granted.

(2) After any of these options, play shall be resumed with a throw-in by Team B at a designated spot nearest to where play was stopped for the blood issue and substitutes shall be permitted as they would be in any other dead-ball period since the game clock was properly started on the throw-in.
(Rules 3-6.1.h.1 and 3-6.3.a)

A.R. 73

Question 4

After the second signal sounds indicating the expiration of a timeout, A1 goes to the free-throw line to attempt two free throws. Before the first free throw, A6 reports to the official scorer and tries to enter the game as a substitute.

Ruling?

Answer 4

A6 cannot enter the game because they did not report before the warning signal and there has been no live ball.
(Rules 3-6.1.g and 3-6.2.b)

A.R. 72

Question 5

After a successful field goal with 48 seconds left in the game, the timer sounds the game-clock horn for substitute A6 to enter the game.

Ruling?

Answer 5

A6 shall not be permitted to enter. While the game clock is stopped after successful field goals in the last 59.9 seconds of the game, only those substitutions permitted by rule are allowed. A team may request a timeout and then make substitutions anytime the ball is dead and the game clock is stopped. (Rule 3-6.1.h.1) *needs to be a dead ball

A.R. 74

Question 6

Team A scores with 59.9 seconds left to play in the fourth quarter.
(1) The timer fails to stop the game clock. The official blows their whistle to stop the clock to correct the mistake. During this stoppage, Team A
requests a timeout; or
(2) The official inadvertently blows their whistle to recognize a timeout request by Team A when the ball is at Team B’s disposal for a throw-in; or
(3) Team B is having difficulty inbounding the ball because of defensive pressure and requests a timeout.
May these timeout requests be granted and when are substitutions permitted to enter the game?

Ruling?

Answer 6

In (1), the request by either team for a timeout shall be recognized and granted since the request was made during a dead ball. Substitutions are permitted during this timeout period. However, when a timeout is not requested, there shall be no substitution during the dead-ball period created by the timer’s mistake.
(2) The inadvertent whistle shall be ignored. When Team A requests a timeout during this dead ball, the timeout shall be recognized and granted since the request occurred during the dead ball created by the inadvertent whistle. Substitutions are permitted during this timeout period. However, when a timeout is not requested, there shall be no substitution during the dead-ball period created by the inadvertent whistle.
(3) Team B’s request for a timeout shall be recognized and granted because a player of that team is in control of the ball. Substitutions are permitted during this timeout.
(Rule 3-6.1.h.2)

A.R. 75

Question 7

Following A1’s goal with 37.8 seconds in the fourth quarter and before the clock properly starts, the official notices water on the floor. A6 and B7 are at the scorer’s table waiting to enter the game.

Ruling?

Answer 7

The substitutes are not permitted to enter the game because the stoppage was not created by a timeout, violation, or foul.
(Rule 3-6.1.h

A.R. 76

Question 8

A1 scores a three-point field goal with 46.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, and before the clock properly starts the officials, of their own volition, conduct a replay review to determine whether the goal was a three- point goal or a two-point goal.

Ruling?

Answer 8

Regardless of whether or not a correction is made to the value of the made field goal, no substitutions are permitted. Play will resume with a throw-in to Team B at the point of interruption.
(Rule 3-6.1.h

A.R. 77

Question 9

A1 scores a three-point field goal with 46.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, and before the clock properly starts, the coach of Team B requests a correctable-error review on the grounds that the goal was erroneously counted and two points should have been awarded. The replay review determines that the goal:
(1) Was a two-point goal; or
(2) Is confirmed as a three-point goal.

Ruling?

Answer 9

(1) When the replay review determines that a correctable error for erroneously counting a goal occurred, no substitutions are permitted.
(2) Because there was no correctable error, Team B will be charged a timeout. Because a timeout has been charged during the dead ball caused by the made field goal and before the game clock has properly started, substitutions are permitted.
(Rules 3-6.1.h and 5-14.1.d)

A.R. 78

Question 10

After A1’s successful try, the game clock is stopped with 56.0 seconds remaining in the game:
(1) B1 completes a throw-in to B2, but the clock was not properly started. The official stops play immediately to correct the timing mistake. Substitutes are available at the table.
(2) B1 completes a throw-in to B2 and the clock is properly started. While the ball is in B2’s control, A2 creates a held ball. The alternating- possession arrow favors Team B. Substitutes are available at the table.

Ruling?

Answer 10

(1) The officials shall correct the timing mistake by placing the correct time on the game and shot clocks, and play shall be resumed at the point of interruption. Substitutes shall not be permitted during this dead-ball period, since the timing mistake occurred with 59.9 seconds or less remaining on the game clock. Since the play was stopped to correct a timing mistake that occurred after a made field goal when there were 59.9 seconds or less remaining in the game and before the game clock was properly started, substitutes shall not be permitted.
(2) Since play was stopped for the held ball, all substitution rules apply. Play shall be resumed with an alternating-possession throw-in to Team B at a designated spot nearest to where the held ball occurred with no reset of the shot clock.
(Rule 3-6.1.h.2

A.R. 79

Question 11

After a successful field goal with 45.3 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, the game clock is properly stopped. The game clock properly starts when the throw-in is legally touched by A1, who then dribbles for three seconds when the officials realize that the shot clock did not properly start and still displays 30 seconds. The officials stop play to adjust the shot clock only. Are substitutes who are at the table permitted to enter the game?

Ruling?

Answer 11

Following a successful goal in the last 59.9 seconds of the game, when there is a timing mistake involving the game clock or shot clock and play is stopped to correct the mistake, substitutions are not permitted.
(Rule 3-6.1.h.2)

A.R. 80

Question 12

A technical foul is assessed against Team A. B6 replaces B1 and makes both free throws. After the final attempt, B1 desires to re-enter.

Ruling?

Answer 12

Illegal. B1 may not re-enter before the next opportunity to substitute after the game clock has properly started after they were replaced.
(Rule 3-6.1.j) *time didn’t come off the clock

A.R. 81

Question 13

A technical foul is assessed to Team B before the start of the game. The coach from Team A wants to replace designated starter A5 with A6 so A6 can shoot the free throws. Is this permissible?

Ruling?

Answer 13

Yes. A6 is permitted to replace designated starter A5 to shoot the free throws for the technical foul. When the ball is placed at the disposal of A6 for the free throw, the game has begun and thereafter, all substitution rules apply. Any team member is eligible to become a substitute with the exception of A5, who shall not be permitted to re-enter until the game clock has been properly started after their replacement.
(Rules 3-6.1.j, 3-6.1.k, 5-7.1, 8-3.3, 10-12.3 through 10-12.4 Penalty)

A.R. 82

Question 14

During a dead ball, A6 replaces A5. Before the ball is put into play, a technical foul is assessed against Team B. A5 is designated by the coach to enter the game and attempt the free throws resulting from Team B’s technical foul.

Ruling?

Answer 14

A5 is permitted to reenter the game because Team B is assessed a technical foul prior to the game clock properly starting.
(Rule 3-6.1.j.1)

A.R. 83

Question 15

During a dead ball, A6 replaces A1 and B6 replaces B1. While the ball is at the disposal of A2 for a throw-in, B2 commits (1) a holding foul or (2) an intentionally kicked- or fisted-ball violation. A1 and B1 wish to reenter the game.

Ruling?

Answer 15

In (1) and (2), A1 may reenter the game but B1 may not. When Team B commits a foul or violation, A1 may reenter the game without the game clock properly starting and stopping.
(Rule 3-6.1.j.1)

A.R. 84

Question 16

A1 commits a traveling violation. A1 and B1 are replaced by A6 and B6. During the ensuing throw-in and before it ends, A2 and B2 commit a double foul. (1) A1 or (2) B1 wish to re-enter the game.

Ruling?

Answer 16

Since both teams committed fouls, in (1) A1 may return and in (2), B1 may return. Play resumes at the point of interruption.
(Rule 3-6.1.j.1)

A.R. 85

Question 17

A1 commits a personal foul against B1. Team B is not in the bonus. B2 is replaced by B6. Before the ball becomes live, the officials assess a player- substitute technical foul to A2 and an intentional foul to B3. May B2 return to the game?

Ruling?

Answer 17

Yes, since Team A committed a foul, even though the penalty is canceled (A2 and B3’s fouls are of equal gravity). B2 may return to the game prior to the throw-in by Team B.
(Rule 3-6.1.j.1)

A.R. 86

Question 18

A1 is injured during a play in which A1 was fouled. As a result, A1 cannot attempt the free throw awarded to them. The coach from Team A chooses A6 to replace A1 and A6 attempts the free throw, which is successful. The coach from Team A chooses A7 to replace A6 before the game clock starts.

Ruling?

Answer 18

The procedure is legal.
(Rule 3-6.1.k)

A.R. 87

Question 19

After the second signal sounds indicating the expiration of a timeout, A1 goes to the free-throw line to attempt two free throws. After the first free throw is successful and before the ball is at the disposal of A1 for the second free throw, A6 reports to the official scorer to become a substitute and then tries to enter the game as a substitute.

Ruling?

Answer 19

A6 shall not be allowed to enter before the last attempt of the multiple personal-foul free throw. When the final free throw is successful, A6 may enter the game during that substitution opportunity.
(Rule 3-6.2.b)

A.R. 88

Question 20

In a game involving the electronic-media timeout format, A1 is fouled in the act of shooting, creating the first dead ball at or below the five-minute mark. A1’s try for goal is unsuccessful. B1 reported to the scorer before the foul and was waiting to enter the game. When is B1 permitted to enter the game?

Ruling?

Answer 20

B1 is permitted to enter the game after the electronic-media timeout ends and before A1 attempts the first try of the multiple free- throw sequence.
(Rule 3-6.2.b.1)

A.R. 89

Question 21

There are no substitutes at the scorer’s table when A1 is assessed their fifth foul. The official notifies the Team A coach and then A1 of the disqualification.

(1) Before the official instructs the timer to begin the 15-second time period to replace the disqualified player, two Team A players, neither of whom are substituting for the disqualified player, report to the scorer.
(2) During the 15-second time period to replace the disqualified player, two Team A substitutes report to the scorer just before A6 reports as the substitute to replace A1.
(3) As soon as the coach is notified that A1 has been disqualified and before the 15-second time period to replace the disqualified player has started, the coach substitutes A6 for A1.
(4) After A6 replaces A1, but before the ball becomes live, substitutes report to the scorer.

Ruling?

Answer 21

When a player is disqualified for committing their fifth foul, the officials will first get a substitute for the disqualified player, and then all substitutes who had legally reported before the player who had to be replaced may enter the game when the substitute for the disqualified player is beckoned onto the court and any substitutes who report after A6 entered the game may enter the game until the ball becomes live following the disqualification. (Rule 3-6.2.d.1)

A.R. 90

Question 22

The officials discover that A1 has blood on their uniform and they are brought to their team’s trainer, who determines that the uniform is saturated. The officials instruct the timer to start the 20-second clock to get the problem resolved. After starting the 20-second clock, the officials discover A2 has blood on their uniform, and after sending that second player to the trainer, A3 is now discovered to have blood on their uniform. After sending A2 to the trainer, the horn for the first 20-second period sounds. The blood situation involving A1 is not yet resolved and the officials request a substitute for A1. How is the 20-second time period administered for A2 and A3?

Ruling?

Answer 22

When the three blood-on-the-uniform situations were recognized as separate incidents, and each player was brought to the trainer at different times, they must be adjudicated individually. In each case, once the trainer begins to deal with the individual player, the 20-second time period begins for that player. For the first player, because their uniform was determined by the trainer to be saturated with blood, the affected part of the uniform must be replaced prior to the end of the 20-second time period. If at the end of the time period the saturated part of the uniform has not been replaced, they are required to be replaced, unless Team A requests and is granted a timeout.
(Rules 3-6.3.a and .b, and A.R. 96)

A.R. 91

Question 23

A1 is fouled by B1; B1 is (1) injured, (2) bleeding, or (3) has a lost, displaced, or irritated contact lens. Team A is in the bonus. Team B’s head coach or trainer enters the playing court to attend to B1’s injury and Team B’s head coach chooses to replace B1 with B6. During A1’s last free-throw attempt, a Team A player commits a free-throw violation. B1 is at the scorers’ table waiting to reenter the game:

Ruling?

Answer 23

B1 is not permitted to reenter the game until the game clock properly starts and stops. To permit B1 to reenter the game without time elapsing from the game clock would allow teams to circumvent the timeout requirement in Rules 3-6.3.a and .d.
(Rules 3-6.3.a and .d and 3-6.1.j.1)

A.R. 92

Question 24

A1 is fouled by B1. Team A is in the bonus. A6 replaces A2. During A1’s (1) first free-throw attempt or (2) second free-throw attempt, B2 commits a free-throw violation. A1’s free throw is unsuccessful. A2 is at the scorers’ table and wishes to reenter the game:

Ruling?

Answer 24

In (1), since A1 will be awarded a substitute free throw under the same conditions as the first free throw, A2 (and any other substitute who has reported to the scorer) may reenter the game due to B2’s violation. In (2), because substitutions are not permitted between free throws, A2 is not permitted to reenter the game at this time and must wait until the next opportunity to substitute.
(Rules 3-6.3.a and .d and 3-6.1.j.1)

A.R. 93

Question 25

A1 is fouled by B1 and their try for goal is unsuccessful.Following the first free-throw attempt, the officials:
(1) Are notified by the scorer that B1’s foul was their fifth; or (2) Observe that A4 is wearing illegal apparel.

Ruling?

Answer 25

In (1) and (2), the required substitute shall be permitted to enter the game before the second try of the multiple free throws. In addition, all substitutes who had legally reported to the official scorer before the ball becomes live for the second free throw may enter the game.
(Rule 3-6.3.c)

A.R. 94

Question 26

B6 and B7 have legally reported to the official scorer when A1: (1) Fouls B1 during a three-point try that was unsuccessful;
(2) Is assessed a technical foul; or
(3) Is assessed a technical foul, which is their fifth and disqualifying foul.
When may B6 and B7 enter the game?

Ruling?

Answer 26

(1) Since multiple free throws shall be awarded, B6 and B7 are permitted to enter the game only before the first attempt or after the final try is successful.
(Rule 3-6.2.b)
(2) B6 and B7 are permitted to enter the game before the first attempt or after the final attempt for the technical foul and before play is resumed by Team B’s throw-in from a designated spot at the division line opposite the scorers’ table.
(Rules 3-6.2.c, 3-6.2.d.1, 4-10.1 and .5)
(3) Since B6 and B7 had legally reported to the official scorer before A1 had to be replaced, they may enter the game after A1’s replacement enters the game.
(Rules 3-6.2.c, 3-6.3.c and 4-10.1 and .5)

A.R. 95

Question 27

While A1 is dribbling, the official notices blood on A1’s game jersey. The official blows the whistle to stop play. A1 goes to the bench and medical personnel:
(1) Determine that the game jersey is not saturated with blood; or (2) Determine that the game jersey is saturated with blood.

Ruling?

Answer 27

(1) A1 may remain in the game without penalty.
(2) A1 shall be given 20 seconds to resolve the situation. When A1 has not resolved the situation, A1 shall be replaced or a timeout may be requested by A1’s team. At the end of the timeout, the affected player must be ready to play when the final horn sounds ending the timeout. If the player is not ready to play, the coach must immediately replace the player with a substitute. In this case, the opposing team is permitted to counter with a substitute. The affected player may not re-enter the game until the next legal opportunity to substitute after the clock has started.
(Rules 3-6.3.b, 3-6.3.a and 5-11.8)

A.R. 96

Question 28

A1 and B1 collide and both players are injured and bleeding. They are evaluated and it is determined that their uniforms are saturated with blood. The coach from Team A requests and is granted a timeout.

Ruling?

Answer 28

When a timeout is requested and granted to either team, one or both players are permitted to remain in the game after the expiration of the timeout. No bleeding can be in evidence. A uniform that is saturated with blood must be replaced.
(Rules 3-6.3.b and .e and 5-11.8)

A.R. 97

Question 29

A1 is injured and the official beckons the coach and/or athletic trainer onto the playing court to assist the injured player. After the injured player is replaced, Team B requests and is granted a timeout. Play is about to resume and A1 is back on the playing court.

Ruling?

Answer 29

A1 shall be prohibited from staying on the playing court. Team B’s timeout does not make A1 eligible to return to play. Team A must request and be granted a charged timeout in order for A1 to remain in the game.
(Rules 3-6.3.d and 5-14.12.a)

A.R. 98

Question 30

A1 is fouled during an unsuccessful try for goal. During the try, A3 is injured or is bleeding, has blood on their body, or their uniform is saturated with blood and they cannot continue to play.

Ruling?

Answer 30

The required substitute shall be permitted to enter the game before the first try of the multiple free throws. In addition, all substitutes who had legally reported to the official scorer before the player who had to be replaced may enter the game.

A bleeding player, a player with blood on the body, or a player wearing a uniform saturated with blood has 20 seconds to resolve the issue. If the issue cannot be resolved in 20 seconds, that player is required to be replaced unless that player’s coach requests and is granted a timeout. When A3 is replaced, any substitute(s) who report to the scorer before the ball becomes live may enter the game. When Team A’s coach is granted a timeout in an attempt to keep A3 in the game and A3 is not ready to play after the final horn of the timeout, A3 must be replaced and Team B is permitted to counter with a substitute.
(Rules 3-6.3.a, .c and .e)

A.R. 99